NBA Finals Game 3 Preview

The Golden State Warriors clobbered the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-77 in game 2 of the NBA Finals in Oakland, California. Warriors forward Draymond Green lead the way 28 points 7 rebounds and 5 assist. Guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson added 17 and 18 points respectively.

The substitution players for the Warriors once again came up big, outscoring the Cavs bench 40-30. Substitutions players have been huge for the Warriors in these finals, in two games, the Cavs bench has been outscored by the Warriors 85-40.

Cavs forward Kevin Love suffered a concussion in game 2, and has already been ruled out for game 3. LeBron James committed 7 turnovers in the loss, but JR Smith is still struggling to put up shots. He only took six shots, bringing his shot total to just nine for the finals.

Smith has often been criticized for his willingness to shoot, now he is being chastised for the shots he wont take. It’s not all his fault, guard Kyrie Irving had only one assist in the loss, with just 10 points.

Game 3

James couldn’t be happier to return to Cleveland. If James and the Cavs have any chance to climb back into this series, it’s has to be James that steps up. He will.

This is a warning, set up your DVR, and get your hard drive ready. James is under the rare pressure of playing with nothing to lose. Just like in 2012 when the Boston Celtics had a 3-2 lead over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, James responded with 45 points. Nothing short of a Herculean effort by James can help save this series.

Cavs must sit JR Smith at this point. He has committed an unforgivable basketball sin; he has become an unwilling shooter in the NBA Finals. That can’t be tolerated, he must sit down or sent home for the rest of the series.

Mo Williams could be a big addition for the Cavs if he is brought off the bench or in the starting line-up. Williams is quick and can put up points.

Defensively, and this might sound crazy, but the Cavs should make Curry take care of the ball all night. Curry can’t go the entire NBA Finals without his knees being tested . If the Cavs can force Curry to play a lot of minutes and do most of the ball handling for the Warriors, they might be able to effect his conditioning and health.

Prediction

Cleveland 98 Warriors 94

Must win for the Cavs, James will put on the performance of a lifetime. It should be a fun game to watch.